First off, please note that the rig was well built before i ever got it. Most of the work was done by the PO

When i bought the Ex, i wanted to make it my own. I seen an explorer on Explorerforums with a rattle canned desert tan paint job, and loved it, so thats what i decided on going with. Then i decided to step it up a notch... Why not dedicate it to the men and women serving this great nation?? So that is what the theme will be.

here are some action shots from the previous owner...

Yes, that is a juggy following the explorer :D

Here is a normal shot.

Plans are simple... Full cage, trusses, decorations, hydro assist, maybe more. We will see when that time comes.

Most updated shots will be posted here, as well as throughout the thread at the respective post.

no holes. Just deep scratches. Its a blast to drive. Still a little unbalanced due to the beadlocks and beat up tires, but with the hydro assist, it should be NO problem driving on the road. The tires are rubbing the links though, so i will most likely be putting some spacers on it like i had to do with D.

This thing is much more of a trail rig than D, but D's road manners are way better. Just goes to show you the differences in the hobby. I will make this one streetable (comfortably), but will be a designated trail rig with some minor street time.I drove almost 100 miles today and its still on full from when i filled up after i bought it. Mileage is great for what it is. Much better than D.

Started installing the Hydro assist yesterday and taking it apart for paint.

Had to remove the spring and shock and spring bucket to get to the steering box bolts, but i got it out.

out with the old.... and in with the new

Then i stripped all the lights and grille off to start masking for paint.

Then i got bored and wanted to see how i liked the paint...

installed the spring and junk again, then started mocking up the ram. I didn't have the plasma or my cutoff wheel or any metal, so i called it quits for the night and prepped and painted the grille and headlight surrounds

today i finished making a mount for the ram, ran the lines, and mounted everything up. I didn't have any fluid, so i have to bleed the system tomorrow. I did get everything masked off but the windows. The trim tape is on, just need to cover the windows. We are going to finish the steering up tomorrow and then focus on sanding and painting to hopefully have this sucker finished by the weekend. More pics of progress tomorrow